William “Bill” Giesbrecht of Coaldale, Alberta, beloved husband of Elfriede, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on December 23, 2025, at the age of 96 years.

Bill leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Elfriede; daughters Karin (Stan) Rempel and Rita (Norm Struth) Hranac; and daughter-in-law Linda Giesbrecht (Eckard, deceased). He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Jacquie (John) Beverley, Allison (Matt) Haugseng, Scott Rempel, Vickie (Paul) Vanderpyl, Jennifer Giesbrecht, Nolan (Hayleigh) Hranac, and Joel Hranac; and his great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Becca, Tori, Scotia, and Bretyn.

He also leaves behind Elfriede’s children Carla (Reynold) Woelcke, Martin (Natasja) Willms, and Lauren (Laura Lee) Willms; and grandchildren Caleb, Andrew, Maggie (Yuvraj), Jaxsyn, Aschyr, Ethan, and Bryn; great-grandchildren Matteo and Arianna.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Wilhelm and Maria (Klassen) Giesbrecht; his first wife of nearly 50 years, Frieda (Willms) Giesbrecht; his son Eckard Giesbrecht; his son-in-law Garry Hranac; his brothers Jake and Peter; as well as all of his brothers- and sisters-in-law and his parents-in-law.

Bill was born on August 2, 1929, in Osterwick, Ukraine, the oldest of three sons. After the death of his father in 1935, the family endured very difficult years. In 1943, Bill, his mother, and his brothers began their journey to Germany, traveling by train, horse, and wagon. Following the end of the war, the family settled in Bavaria. It was there that C.F. Klassen from Canada was searching for Mennonites in Germany to sponsor immigration to Canada. By 1948, sponsorship was secured through Bill’s mother’s cousin in Hague, Saskatchewan.

On August 2, 1949—Bill’s 20th birthday—the family boarded a ship, arriving in Quebec City on August 14, 1949. From there, they traveled by train to Winnipeg, then to Saskatoon, and eventually settled in Coaldale, Alberta, where Bill’s uncles lived and work was available in the sugar beet fields. Life in a new country was challenging, with long workdays and a new language to learn.

In 1950, Bill was baptized and became a member of the Coaldale Mennonite Church, where he remained a faithful member for 75 years until his passing. On August 30, 1953, Bill married Frieda, and together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage until her passing in January 2003. They were blessed with three children: Karin (1957), Eckard (1959), and Rita (1964).

Bill began working for Mo-Tires in 1953 and spent 35 years with the company, serving as sales manager, credit manager, store manager, and finally as retread plant manager.

Bill cherished time with family and created many fond memories, including countless hours soaking in the hot springs at Radium, trips to Penticton with children and grandchildren, vacations to Hawaii, a trip to Disneyland, and many summer road trips throughout British Columbia, the northwestern United States, and to Mount Rushmore.

In 1988, Bill’s son Eckard became ill and was eventually diagnosed with MS. These were difficult years for the family, and Eckard passed away in April 2002. In January 2003, Bill’s wife Frieda passed away following a five-year journey with ovarian cancer.

After spending some time on his own, Bill met Elfriede, and they were married in April 2005. They were blessed with 20 years together.

In August 2019, the entire family gathered to celebrate Bill’s 90th birthday. Two weeks later, Bill suffered his first stroke, which significantly affected his ability to communicate due to global aphasia. A second stroke followed in November 2019, resulting in the total loss of his speech. The past six years were challenging, with the final three years spent at the Coaldale Health Centre.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for the compassionate and wonderful care Bill received, especially during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Coaldale and District Handi-Ride Association Ltd,  PO Box 463 Stn Main, Coaldale, AB T1M 1M5

A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY, located just off of Highway 845 behind the Gem of the West Museum.

Following the Graveside, a Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17 STt. Coaldale, AB.